The island and a strip on the mainland named Province Wellesley (Seberang Perai) are linked by the Penang bridge which is one of the longest in the world.

Its island measures a modest 285 sq.km. and is inhabited by 1.2 million people who hail from a diverse mix of cultures and religions.

George Town, at the north-eastern tip of the island is the capital city of Penang and commercial hub of the state.

History dictates the island was established as a British trAding post in 1786, which plied the trAding routes between the east and the west.

After a lapse of over two centuries, Penang or locally known as "Pulau Pinang" still preserves the grandeur of the colonial heritage in architecture and design. Its unique charm of careful blend of old and new is the threshold of attraction to more than 2 million visitors every year.

Known also as the "Pearl of the Orient"Penang is definitely a one-stop holiday extravanganza which promises rich historic attractions, sight-seeing, entertainment, food, and a sprawling stretch of sun-kissed beaches.

A perfect holiday escapAde...that can only be happening in Penang!

Passport:

All persons entering Malaysia must possess valid national passports or other internationally recognised travel documents valid for travel to Malaysia. These passports or travel documents must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Malaysia.

Those in possession of passports which are not recognised by Malaysia must apply for a document in lieu of a passport and visa issued by Malaysia missions abroAd.

Visa:

Commonwealth citizens (except India, BanglAdesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), British protected persons or citizens of Republic of Ireland, citizens of Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marion, citizens of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Tunisia, Italy, France and the United States do not require a visa for a visit not exceeding three months.

Citizens of Asean countries (Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei, Singapore, Myanmar and Laos), Argentina, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Poland do not need a visa for visit not exceeding 1 month.

Citizens of Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, Commonwealth of Independent States, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Romania, Syria and South Yemen do not need a visa for visit not exceeding 2 weeks.

Citizens of North Korea, Cuba, China and holders of Hong Kong Certificate of Identity are allowed to enter Malaysia subject to their application for a visa being approved

Citizens of countries other than those stated above are allowed entry into Malaysia without a visa for visit not exceeding 1 month.

If the visitors wish to enter Malaysia and remain more than 2 weeks for the purpose of social or business visit or with intention to take up employment, must obtain visas prior arriving in Malaysia

This, however, does not apply to:

i) nationals of countries with whom Malaysia has entered into Partial (subject to conditions stipulated thereof) or Total Visa Abolition Agreements.

ii) holders of a certificate of identity who require visas in any case to enter Malaysia for whatever purpose.

Customs

Customs Privileges:

Tourists whose stay in Malaysia in excess of 72 hrs are exempted from paying
taxes on the following:

• 1quart bottle liquor
• 25gms tobacco or 200 sticks of cigarettes
• a pair of new shoes, electrical and battery-operated personal appliances
• foodstuff to the value not exceeding RM75.00
• and souvenirs & gifts to the value not exceeding RM200.00

Foreign Missions